Sonora Pass

[spaulding24]

Flew over Sonora Pass on Tuesday. Looked pretty fat relative to the rest of the Sierras.

One of Mammoth, for good measure

[~mikey b]

From CalTrans District 10



78th ANNUAL SONORA PASS OPENING GETTING UNDERWAY!

Meet your Long Barn Crew Pass opening operators. Pictured top is Steve Belitz, and left to right, Erik Young, Tim McGrath, Jim Longeway, in the blower Serge Kiriluk. Not pictured, Mike Shaughnessy, Dave Beauchamp.

During this time for the safety of the crew and the public we ask that no pedestrians or over snow vehicles enter behind the gate. For the 1st stage of Pass opening we will be working 7:30 to 3:00, Monday through Friday.

Stay tuned for regular updates about their progress.

[CS]

From CalTrans District 10



78th ANNUAL SONORA PASS OPENING GETTING UNDERWAY!

Meet your Long Barn Crew Pass opening operators. Pictured top is Steve Belitz, and left to right, Erik Young, Tim McGrath, Jim Longeway, in the blower Serge Kiriluk. Not pictured, Mike Shaughnessy, Dave Beauchamp.

During this time for the safety of the crew and the public we ask that no pedestrians or over snow vehicles enter behind the gate. For the 1st stage of Pass opening we will be working 7:30 to 3:00, Monday through Friday.

Stay tuned for regular updates about their progress.

Excellent!

[~mikey b]

AND SO IT BEGINS! CALTRANS CREWS DIG IN AT SONORA PASS

Spring is here! And with it comes the annual tradition of Caltrans crews clearing mountain passes to allow motorists safe passage through California’s gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountain range.

On Monday, Long Barn area maintenance crews began work on clearing the pass, starting at the west gate (just east of Strawberry near the snow park).

This will be the 78th annual clearing and opening of Sonora Pass. The first stage of work is scheduled between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday, and will be adjusted as needed as crews work their way up SR-108.

Check out the below photos of Caltrans’ equipment, including a Pisten Bully (snow cat), putting chains on a grader and repairing chains for a blower.

[jorion]

I can’t remember, how long does it usually take to open the road?

[~mikey b]

That many

[Ottime]

To clarify, it depends.

[jorion]

Yeah I did the research and it looks like the first two weeks of May is the norm for somewhat below average years.

[~mikey b]

108 open to Eagle Mdw.

Should open to Kennedy for fishing opener.

[bobz]

Anyone know what east-side Sonora access is up to lately?There’s precious little snow below 9500’ around Mammoth/Lee Vining areas, except north faces, so I can’t imagine there’s much left to clear on Sonora/Tioga around now.

[jorion]

Per the Caltrans quick map it’s 8 miles west of 395. West closure moved to Kennedy Meadows. Their Facebook page said they had to move surprisingly large drifts in places and they’re aiming to have all passes open by Memorial Day. So it doesn’t sound like it’ll be opening soon.

[TahoeBC]

Seems Sonora pass opened today

[sruffian]

Woah. Must have just missed it on the drive from bridgeport to washoe valley today. wouldn't have come home had I seen it...

Anyone wanna ski the Y on Saturday?

[rod9301]

I looked at it this afternoon.

Kind of wind affected, but probably doable.

Big cornice.

How would you approach it?

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[sruffian]

Both sides big cornice?

I've been up there twice, both times skinned up from the lower pullout west of the pass. Skinned up the big bowl looker's right of the y. With two cars could shuttle it from the pass, pct out there and ski down to lower pullout.

Was up above bridgeport today everything was pretty wind affected up high but still corned up.

How high was the snow line today?

[rod9301]

The cornice was on the Lookers right chute, but possible to get in on the left.
Don't remember the snow line but way before the pass.

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[CS]

Hmmmmmm.

Might have to head up next week some time.

[rod9301]

Both sides big cornice?

I've been up there twice, both times skinned up from the lower pullout west of the pass. Skinned up the big bowl looker's right of the y. With two cars could shuttle it from the pass, pct out there and ski down to lower pullout.

Was up above bridgeport today everything was pretty wind affected up high but still corned up.

How high was the snow line today?

Had a big day today at my Dade, so I'm going to pass on leavitt tomorrow.

Let me know how it was.

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[meter-man]

Rod PMd you on Dade

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[~mikey b]

I’ll be going up to the pass next week.

Always room for a Maggot or three at my compound.

[Vets]

Dusk patrol on May 4th.

[TahoeBC]

Would love to hear a report of how the skiing was today (Sunday) looking at the snotel seems to be a pretty solid inversion in place at 5am it dropped to 45 degrees after hours at 46. Guessing its ok if ya get on it real early but I'm hesitant to make the drive till things cool down a bit.

https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/reportG...ue,TOBS::value

[CS]

I’ll be going up to the pass next week.

Always room for a Maggot or three at my compound.

When are you headed up? Any mid week plans?

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[rod9301]

Any reports on the y couloir?

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[CS]

Highly likely I'm going to head up on Wednesday. Prolly be at the pass around 730. Anyone want to me meet up and go for a ski?